Conversations Different with Inez Russell Gomez

Sheila Lewis is an extreme risk protection order trainer and consultant who works with the nonprofit New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence. She has trained about 500 people on extreme risk protection orders, also known as red flag laws, that prohibits possession or purchase of a firearm by a person who is experiencing a mental health crisis and poses an imminent, serious danger to themselves or others. New Mexico’s extreme risk protection order act was passed in 2020 but has so far been rarely used because it is not well understood. Lewis works with with police departments and community groups around New Mexico to educate them on extreme risk protection orders. Lewis joins "Conversations Different" to discuss extreme risk protection orders and what's needed to reduce gun violence in the state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johanna Gilligan, chief external affairs officer at Homewise, talks about issues facing Santa Fe involving land use and previews the local and national experts who will give their presentations in Santa Fe for the Livability Speaker Series, presented by Homewise. Topics include why homelessness is a housing problem, why affordable housing is in such short supply, considering more density in Santa Fe's future, and how to make car-centric cities more pedestrian friendly and connected. The monthly events continue Thursday, June 20, and run through October. To see the lineup and schedule for the Livability Speaker Series, visit www.livabilityspeakerseries.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raashan Ahmad is a hip-hop artist and DJ in Santa Fe who is the executive director of Vital Spaces and co-founder of Earthseed Black Arts Alliance. He joins “Conversations Different” to discuss his path to Santa Fe and his passion for the community. Ahmad touches on the history of African Americans in New Mexico and previews the upcoming Juneteenth celebration on the Plaza, which takes place Saturday, June 15. The event, which goes from 3-9 p.m., will feature vendors, food and live performances including the Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans. Ahmad also talks about his work with organizations that provide resources to people in the community to help them express themselves through art. “What I’m excited about is providing access and resources to folks who don’t have it,” Ahmad said. “If that’s throwing free dance parties, if that’s throwing a free event, if that’s opening up a community theater, all of it is in line with the underlying goal of just trying to make sure that folks who are not seen get seen.” Learn more about Vital Spaces at https://www.vitalspaces.org/ and Earthseed Black Arts Alliance at https://www.earthseedblackarts.org/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert McCormick created the Santa Fe Foodies Facebook group in 2018 and it has grown into a lively forum of more than 41,000 members who are passionate about the city's food scene. McCormick has also launched a website, santafefoodiesnm.com, to help residents and locals navigate the area's hundreds of dining options. McCormick joins "Conversations Different" to talk about the work he's put in to build Santa Fe Foodies into a full-time job and the community that's grown under its umbrella. He also discusses some of the most popular topics in the Facebook group and how Santa Fe Foodies has impacted his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.